Border Police Officer Killed in Netanya Shootout, Family Seeks Answers

A Border Police officer, David Amarani, was killed in Netanya on Saturday after responding to a shooting incident in the Kiryat Hasharon neighborhood. The suspect, who allegedly fired at police forces, was neutralized by officers. The incident began when police received reports of gunfire, followed by a report that a suspect had shot at a police unit. Large police forces, including the commander of the Central District, arrived at the scene. Amarani, 21, had been serving in the Border Police since August 2024, most recently in the West Bank before transferring to his current unit about eight months ago. He is survived by his parents and two brothers.

Family members expressed shock and grief, stating they are awaiting answers to understand the full details of the event. "The family is shocked and in great pain, these are difficult hours, we still don't understand the details of the incident, waiting for answers from professionals to help us understand what happened there," said Erez Amarani, David's uncle.

A neighbor, Eli Cohen, recounted hearing numerous shots and initially fearing terrorists. He described seeing the suspect walking and firing, believing most of the shots were into the air, not directed at people, as normal activity continued in the area. Cohen, a former police volunteer, expressed concern that it took the police some time to arrive at the scene. He speculated that the suspect may have fired at an officer only after police arrived.